Trump’s tariffs on Brazil will temper Yoon prosecution
Significance. The July 30 decision to impose punitive tariffs on Brazil—explicitly citing the criminal case against Jair Bolsonaro—establishes a precedent: the United States is willing to redefine legal accountability as a threat to its economic and strategic interests.
2025 07 30
South Korea’s early move on broadcasts demonstrates poor diplomatic advice
Significance. President Lee’s loudspeaker suspension aligns with his liberal mandate and appeals to domestic stakeholders. Yet the lack of pre-coordination with the Trump Administration reflects a critical oversight in diplomatic choreography.
2025 06 11
Foreign policy and South Korea’s presidential elections
Significance. South Korea’s presidential election domestic debate focused on candidate personalities, recent political events, and party politics, amid a strategic landscape reshaped by Donald Trump’s presidency and growing demands regarding tariffs, United States Forces Korea (USFK), and U.S.-China rivalry.
2025 06 03
SK Telecom cyber attack implications remain unclear
Significance. The April 2025 cyber attack on SK Telecom, South Korea's largest mobile carrier, has exposed critical vulnerabilities in the nation's digital infrastructure.
2025 05 06
South Korea’s nuclear energy industry secures ongoing support
Significance. South Korea’s nuclear power export sector stands at a critical juncture. Major candidates in the upcoming presidential race have now publicly committed to support its growth. The industry is poised for significant acceleration regardless of the electoral outcome.
2025 05 02
South Korea advances satellite and surveillance capabilities
Significance. South Korea’s launch of its second military reconnaissance satellite on board the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket marks a critical step in its longstanding objective of building a more autonomous defense posture.
2025 04 22
Anti-China sentiment in Seoul
Significance. Bilateral relations between South Korea and China remain one of East Asia’s most consequential yet misunderstood strategic dynamics.
2025 04 16
Presidential candidates and Sejong City
Significance. The proposed relocation of South Korea’s National Assembly and presidential office from Seoul to Sejong has re-emerged as a campaign issue ahead of the presidential election.
2025 04 15
South Korea faces significant challenges after Yoon removal
Significance. The Constitutional Court's unanimous decision to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office on April 4, 2025, has elicited widespread public reactions, ranging from jubilant celebrations to vehement protests.
2025 04 04
Marginal increase doesn’t solve South Korea’s demographic crisis
Significance: South Korea’s demographic crisis is the defining challenge of its economic, social and potentially security landscape.
2025 03 06